Long Live Ashley Harris's Life-Affirming Victorian Jewelry Set
On the founder/creative director's luminous estate sale find
I get more compliments wearing my Don’t Let Disco necklace than any other piece of jewelry. It’s not dainty or barely there. It’s a proper necklace and often the missing piece to an outfit I can’t quite figure out.
And it was designed by the impossibly chic Ashley Harris. Every single time I’m lucky enough to see her, I’m taking mental notes on her genius outfits. She has an impressive vintage handbag collection, which I was sure she’d draw from for her Long Live pick, but in true Don’t Let Disco form, she’s brought some jewelry to the class show and tell.
How long have you had this piece?
I've been the proud owner of a pools of light jewelry set—comprising a necklace, bracelet, and earrings—for about 8 or 9 years. These pieces are known for their clear quartz orbs that refract light in a way that makes them glow around the wearer's neck, reminiscent of water droplets sparkling in sunlight. Named for their fascinating ability to invert images, creating a "pool of light," these orbs also serve as a litmus test for genuine crystal. It's this unique characteristic that really draws me in.
Where did it come from?
The set was acquired at an estate sale auction, thanks to my mom, who acted on my behalf. She has always been a major influence on my love for antique jewelry, particularly pools of light pieces. First gaining popularity during the Victorian Era around 1880, these crystal orbs were adorned for their mystical properties and the belief that they brought good luck. Moreover, their spheres were never drilled; they were instead set into jewelry or wire-wrapped to keep their clarity intact. This purity is what sets them apart.
How much did you pay for it?
For the entire set, I paid around $1,000—a fantastic deal considering that a single well-crafted pools of light necklace can fetch that amount. Many people overlook the fact that auctions can be the perfect place to snag such treasures at a "reasonable" price.
How do you wear it?
At the time, this set marked a significant investment for me, so I've donned the pieces (never all together) to formal events such as weddings and galas, as well as casually, for their magical energy. There's something special about how these crystal orbs catch the light on the skin, making you feel like you're carrying your own personal sunlight. Despite their antique status, they've held up well over time, save for a bracelet clasp that I replaced with a 14k yellow gold safety pin—a nifty solution that's become a story in itself. I'm on an ongoing quest for the ideal gold safety pin, resulting in my possessing a few more than the average person.
What does it represent?
To me, these pools of light pieces symbolize inspiration and reflection—themes that have significantly influenced our Don't Let Disco collections. I love the idea of carrying one's own light, igniting motivation, self-realization, and growth. After all, reflection cannot exist without light, nor can growth occur without reflection. Although our collection utilizes drilled beads for practicality, we make certain each piece of rock crystal is thoroughly charged prior to stringing. This process ensures they are infused with a distinct energy you can instantly feel when slipping on any of our cosmic crystal pieces.
Owning your own piece of Don’t Let Disco is a great place to start. Or maybe come to one of Ashley’s Beading Bars with me? (Stay tuned here.)
This shell option is really speaking to me. And this one reminds me of Ashley’s pools of light set.
Ashley really did get a steal for her set. This necklace is $900 on Etsy.
Or you can approximate the look with this $20 fake from eBay.
A more reasonable option for $200 on eBay.
I’m very charmed by this $135 option on eBay.
Or try mixing materials with this $30 option.
Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, shop my Notion template, and as always, respond to this dispatch for my direct line x
🚨ALSO🚨 I’m going to start ending every letter with a question for the comments. I’ll go first until you all get a little less shy <3
What’s the longest you’ve kept something in your closet without wearing it before donating?
Kept a pair of vintage Celine cigarette pants in my closet for 8 years wearing them…zero times
24 years! My "I will fit in these again one day" perfect pair of LEVIS.